SOL-675-16-000001.doc

ISSUANCE DATE: October 22, 2015

ISSUANCE DATE: October 23, 2015 CLOSING DATE: November 13, 2015 16:30pm Guinea Local Time

SUBJECT:

SOLICITATION NUMBER 675-16-000001: FOR A U.S. CITIZEN OR A THIRD COUNTRY NATIONAL PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR - CONTROLLER Ladies and Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone, is seeking applications of qualified U.S Citizens or Third Country National individuals interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation.

Submission shall be in accordance with this solicitation and at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation. The Controller position will be located in Conakry, Republic of Guinea.

Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation:

· Cover Letter;

· Curriculum Vitae or resume;

· Form AID 302-3 (available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/);

· Supplemental document addressing the evaluation factors;

· List of three professional references who are familiar with your work experience.

All application packages are to be submitted to:

Via email: conakrypscjobs@usaid.gov. or

Via courier: Supervisory Regional Executive Office

USAID/Senegal c/o American Embassy Route des Almadies B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email must be in a format compatible with Microsoft Word 2003 or PDF and not zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB. Application letters and Form AID 302-3 must be signed. Incomplete and unsigned applications/forms will not be considered.

USAID/Senegal anticipates awarding one (1) Personal Service Contract as a result of this solicitation. Please note that this does not constitute any guarantee that a PSC will be awarded as result of this solicitation nor does it constitute any authorization by USAID to reimburse costs incurred in the preparation of an application. Any questions on this solicitation should be sent to Priscilla Sampil at psampil@usaid.gov or the undersigned at sacarter@usaid.gov.

Sincerely, /signed/ Samuel Carter Jr.

Supervisory Regional Executive Officer

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

675-16-00001

ISSUANCE DATE:

October 23, 2015

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

November 13, 2015 AT 16:30 pm Guinea local Time

POSITION TITLE:

CONTROLLER

MARKET VALUE:

($101,630.00 – $132,122.00) the market value for this position is equivalent to GS-15 level. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

Open to U.S. citizens and Third Country Nationals A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States.

A Third Country National by definition is an individual who is neither a citizen of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and who is eligible for return travel to the TCN's home country or country from which recruited at U.S. Government expense.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

One (1) year with an option to extend. Extensions will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the services and availability of funds.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Conakry, Guinea, with frequent travel to Sierra Leone

SECURITY/MEDICAL CLEARANCES:

Security Clearance:

US citizens - SECRET

TCNPSCs - Employment authorization

The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time. USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

1.0 BACKGROUND

USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone requests the services of a USPSC Controller to serve for approximately one year to lead the Office of Financial Management (OFM). OFM exercises supervision and quality control over fiscal and accounting operations of mission financial operations and provides expert technical advice on all matters relating to financial management. The USPSC Controller serves as the focal point for all financial management functions including budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, payments, audits, and financial advisory services to Mission management and staff.

USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone manages small, but high profile programs with a particular emphasis on building back better health and governance systems in the wake of the Ebola outbreak. Guinea and Sierra Leone continue to manage the on-going impacts of the largest, most devastating Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic in history. USAID’s strategy in Guinea is focused on health, with smaller interventions in governance and agriculture. In FY2014, the Guinea program had an operating year budget of approximately $18 million, primarily for activities under the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and the Sierra Leone program received no funding. However, as a result of the passage of the Ebola Recovery Emergency Contingency Act in December 2014, an additional $65 million for health and $9 million for governance have been designated for USAID activities in Guinea and Sierra Leone. In addition, beginning in FY2015, each country program will be receiving $6 million per year in funding for the Feed the Future (FtF) Initiative. Thus, during the last year the Mission has had to cope with programming a nearly six-fold increase in resources over the two country programs, to approximately $104 million. In addition, the Food for Peace (FFP) program for both countries has grown to nearly $60 million in FY2015. This dramatic ramp-up in program funding has required extraordinary efforts from the entire Mission staff and necessitated significant workforce shifts to ensure appropriate programmatic oversight.

The Mission is rapidly increasing staff to manage the new resources but currently there are ten U.S. Direct Hires (USDHs) and 35 Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs), three U.S. Personal Service Contractors (USPSCs), and three Third Country National (TCN) positions based in Guinea. Supporting the Sierra Leone program is one USDH, two USPSCs and four FSNs. Guinea is a difficult-to-staff, 35% hardship post and is among the most challenging assignments in the Foreign Service.

It is within this context that USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone seeks to mobilize Mission personnel and programs to transition from the emergency situation created by the Ebola epidemic, to a focused, post Ebola development effort. Consulting and partnering with the Government of Guinea, Government of Sierra Leone, and other development partners, USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone intends to embark on an Ebola recovery strategy. At the same time, the Mission will begin implementation of Guinea’s recently approved five-year Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS).

To implement the Ebola recovery strategy and CDCS effectively, the Mission needs to strengthen core business processes, particularly financial management. With the numerous staffing shortages and transitions, change management, capacity development and mentoring will be paramount. As the Mission footprint grows, both in Guinea and in Sierra Leone, the Mission will need to proactively plan to ensure appropriate programmatic, operational, and management support. The USPSC Controller will play a key leadership role in these efforts.

2.0 STATEMENT OF WORK

The Contractor shall report to the USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone Mission Director and shall lead and coordinate the financial management functions of the Mission. USAID/Senegal Regional Controller has regional support responsibilities for Guinea. Accordingly, the Controller will have a technical reporting line to the USAID/Senegal Regional Controller.

Assignment of work is communicated only in terms of general objectives. The Contractor shall plan and organize the work in the Controller’s office and review such work for the achievement of the overall objective in close coordination with the USAID/Senegal Regional Controller. S/he shall supervise and evaluate the performance of employees in the Controller’s office in conformance with policy, regulations and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following:

1) Serve as principal manager for all financial management systems, practices and procedures. Responsible for planning, directing, and administering a comprehensive accounting, reporting and budgeting systems designed to provide senior Mission management with timely financial information for making operating decisions.

2) Guide financial management of all appropriated and non-appropriated funds available to USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone, including implementation of internal accounting controls to safeguard those funds and other USAID assets. Oversee operations to ensure effective use and accountability of all USAID-financed assistance.

3) Oversee the formulation and preparation of the annual operating expense budget; analyze proposed forward funding and existing obligation pipelines. For current year budgets and allowed funds, assure effective management and funds controls are applied over operating expense and program funds.

4) Coordinate implementation of Financial Manager’s Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA) internal control review process. Identify the appropriate accountability units and operating environment within the Mission. Lead the Mission in the assessment of risks and development of control techniques, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

5) Serve as the liaison with the Regional Office of the Inspector General in Dakar (RIG). Serve as the focal point for audit activities including identifying requirements and developing audit plans, reviewing all audit and inspection reports from the RIG, and reviewing actions to be taken in response to the findings and recommendations. Manage the financial audit program for host country recipient organizations.

6) Be responsible for conducting pre-award assessments of proposed award recipients and financial reviews of awardees. Provide leadership to enhance the financial management capacity of local partner organizations.

7) Assess the operations of the Payments section to identify opportunities for best practices to maximize efficiency. Assist in the establishment of business processes to enhance Guinea OFM as a value-added provider of financial information and services to USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone, our partners and stakeholders.

8) Coordinate the implementation of recommendations from the Controller’s Assessment.

9) Provide direct support to the Chief Accountant (CA) in supervision and management skills to ensure the Administrative Budgeting, Accounting and Payments Sections run effectively and efficiently.

10) Review Guinea OFM staff workloads and propose staffing changes as needed.

11) Be responsible for staff development and training for all Guinea OFM staff.

12) Serve as the Mission’s authorized certifying officer. Take the lead in resolving method of payment, cash management, cost reasonableness and disbursement issues for projects

13) Provide Mission staff with assistance and advice relative to USAID financial management regulations and procedures. Contribute to Mission-wide policy and strategy formulation, staff development and resource management decisions.

14) Participate in the analysis of the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS) budget and serve as a USAID member in the ICASS Budget Committee; coordinate with mission management on ICASS matters, including ICASS invoice review.

3.0 REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct telephone interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

Education (20 points) A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level in accounting, finance or business administration; CPA certification is required.

Prior Work Experience (40 points) Ten years of progressively responsible work in a USAID Controller Office. At least five years working as USAID Controller is required. Working knowledge of Phoenix, E2, ASIST, GLAAS and other Agency systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (30 points):

Thorough knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology, as well as the principles and accepted procedures of U.S. Governmental and business financial accounting, budgeting and reporting is required. A thorough knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures associated with USAID financial management is also required. Strong understanding of USAID project planning and implementation procedures and of USAID organization and operations is highly desirable. The position requires a high level of independent judgment with regard to USAID’s financial management policies and regulations.

A high level of analytical skill and sound judgment is required. Must have the ability to perform in a team and to maintain cordial and professional relationships with USAID staff, Host Government, NGO and Contractor personnel. Excellent English communication skills, both orally and in writing, are essential. French language skills are a bonus. Must have strong supervisory and management skills to effectively supervise OFM staff and direct the various elements of a complex financial management operation. Must have excellent interpersonal and training skills, and a genuine interest in developing the abilities of OFM staff.

Language (10 points)

Level IV English is required. A working professional knowledge in French is desirable.

TOTAL: 100 POINTS

4.0 OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS

Supervision Received: The Controller will report to the USAID/ Guinea and Sierra Leone Mission Director. The Controller will also have a dotted line of responsibility to the USAID/Senegal Regional Controller to ensure continuity of operations.

Supervision Exercised: The Controller will supervise 6 FSNs.

Exercise of Judgment: The Controller must exercise sound and independent judgment in the course of carrying out the assigned duties. Position requires a high level of ability with regard to understanding financial and accounting policies and regulations and the ability to analyze situations and accurately apply those regulations and make sound judgment.

Available Guidelines:

4FAM, 3FAM, ADS, AID Handbooks, Standardized Regulations, and instructions issued by USAID Controller Authority to make commitments: The Controller does not have the authority to make legal commitments but is responsible for recording all financial obligations.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The Controller establishes and maintains solid working relationships with all levels of Mission personnel, contractors and Host country government officials.

Time required to perform full range of duties: The Controller is expected to be an expert in the field of USAID Financial Management.

Physical Demands/ Work Environment: The work is sedentary and performed in an office setting.

5.0 INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Interested individuals are required to submit the following:

• Fully completed and hand-signed copy of Form a302-3 can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ (Note: All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the Form a302-3 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences.)

• Cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV). The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

• Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last five years of the applicant’s professional life from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge of contracting work. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

• Applicants also must address the above Section 3.0: Selection Criteria in a summary statement to be included in the application. This summary statement, limited to two pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The summary statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page. Failure to provide this summary statement may result in the applicant not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training, and/or awards.

• Application letters and Form a302-3 must be signed. Incomplete and unsigned applications/forms will not be considered.

6.0 LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS:

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

1) Application for Application for Federal Employment (AID 302-3);.

2) Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). *

3) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)(SF-86), or *

4) Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). *

5) Finger Print Card (FD-258). *

* Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

7.0 ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to locate relevant AAPDs.

8.0 CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETIN (CIBs) ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSC CIBs and AAPDSs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs. AIDAR Appendix D and J apply to USPSC and TCNPSC respectively and can be found at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

9.0 BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized benefits and allowances in accordance with AIDAR Appendix D and other relevant Agency and Mission polices. Third Country Nationals (TCNs), as a matter of policy and as appropriate are authorized benefits and allowances in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and other relevant Agency and Mission polices.

BENEFITS:

Employee’s FICA and Medicare (US Citizens only)

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment (Annual across board salary increase)

Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

Annual & Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (If applicable).

(A)Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

(B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).

(C) Post Allowance (Section 220).

(D)Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).

(E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).

(F) Education Allowance (Section 270).

(G)Education Travel (Section 280).

(H)Post Differential (Chapter 500).

(I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal and State Income Taxes.

9.0 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT:

TCN PSC Contractors are compensated in accordance with AIDAR Appendix D titled “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad, paragraphs 4(c), (d), (e), (g), (h), and (i) and also according to the Compensation and Allowances Matrix approved by the Mission Director.

END OF SOLICITATION